Across Southeast Asia, the growing demand for clean and reliable electricity is accelerating the development of cross-border interconnectors. From subsea cables to high-voltage transmission systems (HVDC), these assets are key to enhancing system flexibility, optimising generation portfolios, and enabling large-scale renewable energy integration across borders. Yet despite technological feasibility, progress is often slowed by permitting delays, financing risks, and regulatory misalignment.
This session will convene regulators, industry leaders, and financial experts to explore the regulatory frameworks, coordination models, and financing mechanisms required to deliver bankable, cross-border interconnector projects.
Discussion Topics:
- What regulatory frameworks can unlock long-term capital for cross-border interconnectors?
- How can joint licensing and coordinated regulatory processes reduce complexity and approval delays?
- What role do risk-sharing arrangements and financing structures play in accelerating interconnector delivery?
- How can regulators balance investor certainty with national policy needs?
Panellists:
Justin Oliver, Deputy Chair, Australian Energy Regulator
Mark McAllister, Chairman, Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM)
Helena Bernland, Programme Manager for Southeast Asia, Swedish Energy Agency
Audra Low, Group Head, Client Coverage; Chief Executive Officer, Clifford Capital Credit Solutions
Narin Phaowanich, Acting Governor, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Invited)
Dr Nor Azlan Bin Mostafa, Chief Strategy & Planning Officer, Single Buyer (Invited)
YBhg. Dato’ Hamzah bin Hussin, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) (Invited)
Kelvin Wong, Global Head of Energy, Renewables and Infrastructure, Institutional Banking Group, DBS (Invited)
Moderator:
- Sharad Somani, Partner, KPMG in Singapore (Invited)
- Adrian Wong, Director, Head of Projects, Herbert Smith Freehills (Invited)
- Richard Guit, Partner, Bakerbotts (Invited)